In a city comprised mostly of uniform Soviet-era buildings, one structure stands out for its breathtaking architecture: Dushanbe’s Ismaili Center. The Center, which opened in 2009, serves Tajikistan’s thousands-strong Ismaili community.

Built thanks to the largesse of His Highness Aga Khan, Dushanbe’s Ismaili Center has four major areas. In addition to its prayer hall, the structure has education, social, and administrative halls too. Altogether, the prayer room can accommodate 1,500 Muslims for religious services, and the education room features fourteen classrooms for students, as well as a knowledge center and multipurpose hall.

Architectural cues to both Shi’a themes and Central Asian motifs abound throughout the impressive structure. The Shi’a inspired large central courtyard and turquoise-glazed clay bricks are some of the Center’s most stunning features.

Ismaili Center, Dushanbe courtyard (Image credit: Desiree Halpern)

The Ismaili Center benefits from Tajik and Central Asian contribution as well: the ceiling’s wooden beams were carved by artists from Khorog; the beautiful plaster work on the walls were designed by craftsmen from Dushanbe; and carpets hand-made throughout Central Asian adorn the walls. Taking a tour throughout the ingenuous building makes the attention to detail apparent to one and all: the Center’s 3 million bricks are all symmetrical down to one millimeter or less!

However, it was the content of the tour that impressed me most, even more so than the exquisite building.

My tour guide relayed fact after fact about the religious symbolism of the Center’s wall, ceiling, and floor patterns. He also spoke about the building’s environmental sustainability and expressed his wish that all of Tajikistan benefit from the Ismaili Center’s religious, intellectual, and cultural offerings. At the end, when I asked my guide how much it cost to maintain the Center’s upkeep, he responded that Ismaili volunteers are responsible for most of the upkeep. The guide himself came in once a week to give tours and help keep the Center clean and well equipped.

Scott and Desiree with friends at the entrance at of the Ismaili Center, Dushanbe – 1 of 5 skylights. (Image credit: Desiree Halpern)

If there is anything to match the Ismaili Center’s beauty and strength, it is the religious devotion of the Ismaili community. Though the community may be small in Sunni-majority Tajikistan, it is strong and the group’s efforts to give back to Tajikistan and Central Asia are praiseworthy.

Anyone finding oneself in Central Asia ought to make the trip to see Dushanbe’s Ismaili Center. I cannot recommend it highly enough!

About Scott Goldstein

Scott Goldstein is a current student of Persian Studies at the University of Maryland. While studying International Politics at Georgetown University, Scott became fascinated with the Persian speaking world. Last summer, he traveled to Dushanbe, Tajikistan to practice his language skills and gain familiarity with Central Asia, when he came across the Ismaili Center. He hopes to visit again soon!

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Spreading positive inspirations since 2006 (established). Ismailimail is a home of the largest collection of stories from the world of Ismaili Muslims and community. An independent, civil-society initiative, which is voluntarily run by enthusiasts. More details at the About section.